How To Rewrite Seven Outdated Fashion Rules

Step 1: Embrace horizontal stripesEmbrace horizontal stripes. Contrary to accepted wisdom, they don’t make you look fat. In fact, visual perception research has indicated they may actually make you look thinner.

Step 2: Slim down in grayIf you’re wearing mostly black because you think it’s slimming, switch to charcoal gray. Since black soaks up light, it can make you appear bigger. Color experts say gray is more slimming.

Step 3: Mix patterns and printsMix patterns and prints. Far from being a fashion no-no, it can be a fabulous look, as long as the colors are complementary. Refrain from mixing patterns with more than two colors each.

Step 4: Pile on the jewelryPile on the jewelry: The old rule was less is more, but now more is more! Also, the line between day and night has blurred, with glittery baubles perfectly appropriate for daytime.

Step 5: Wear blue with greenForget the old saying, “blue and green should never be seen.” Navy goes with everything, including green. Feel free to mix brown and black, too.